Auto manufacturers take your civil liberties for a ride
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Asphalt plant's location draws fire
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Kenneth Griggs Herald/ Country Market Reporter

As far back as the 1970s, the NHTSA recommended that automobile manufacturers gather data by using onboard sensing and recorders, according to Perry Zucker, an independent expert in engineering and technology who has been a witness in several auto accident trials involving EDRs. Depending on the type of EDR system, the information it records varies. According to Zucker, typically EDRs record informational data in conjunction with air bag deployment, such as: engine/vehicle speed (5 seconds before impact), brake status (5 seconds before impact), throttle position, and even the state of the driver's seatbelt switch (on/off). It should be noted that airplane black boxes are much more sophisticated, as voices, movements of the airplane and other vital data are recorded for the duration of a flight. The information on an air bag deployment in a General Motors car is permanent and cannot be erased. The information in a GM vehicle on a near deployment is automatically erased after 250 starts or approximately 60 days.

In Fords and Chryslers the information is more difficult to download and a trained technician is used to download information from the vehicles. The box is about the size of two decks of playing cards, side-by-side. It is often installed under the hood or under the seat of the automobile. GM has been the major pusher of the black-boxes, while Ford and Chrysler have been tentative in implementing the devices. According to a spokesperson for the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, the two manufacturers are waiting to gauge the consumer backlash on GM. Helping at a cost It is difficult to argue that the upside to the boxes is grand in scale. Insurance fraud should drastically decrease as the technology increases. Randy Van Fossan of Country Companies Insurance said that insurance fees could be drastically reduced with the technology. He was aware of the EDRs but was unaware of how widely they were being used. The ability to respond to an accident immediately after it occurs is also a benefit, as the boxes could be linked directly to emergency personnel. In essence, the black boxes could help save money, and more importantly, they could help save lives. Nearly every car dealer in the Kankakee County area who was contacted had never heard of a black box for an automobile. There were exceptions, of course, but people, especially the consumer, have been kept in the dark about black-boxes. A recent survey by the Insurance Research Council of 38,000 Americans proved that almost two-thirds of those people were not aware such devices were in or could be in their vehicle.

So, a basic question for the driver is, "Who owns the information on the EDRs?". The New York Times reported that if a car is totaled in an accident, insurance companies take ownership of the car and the data of the black box. GM, Ford and Chrysler, all claim they have strict policies in place to keep the information on the black boxes secretive. But a third party can download the information easily enough by purchasing a device from Vetronix Corporation, a software company in Santa Barbara. The device costs $2,500 and takes information from black boxes. Auto manufacturers are quick to point out that the information is only worthwhile to insurance companies, crash investigators and police. No one else, they claim, would be interested in the information. Though this may be true, Electronic Privacy Information Center executive director Marc Rotenberg said in a recent interview, "It's only partly about privacy. It's mostly about fairness. Invariably, the information is used against the driver." Court cases which use black box information are appearing more regularly. Often, the information is used in conjunction with more traditional crash investigation techniques. It is used as a tool to get information otherwise unretrievable. The data, however, is difficult to retrieve or inconclusive in almost 40 percent of all cases. A local auto salesperson said, "The box is there to protect honest motorists.

Generally, people don't want to know its there." Rotenberg, however, finds it appalling consumers have not been told about the technology. "It's difficult to believe there is widespread acceptance, when no one has been told about this technology," Rotenberg said. Others fear that the EDRs will be coupled with other devices like global positioning systems and voice recorders which could provide information about people's driving habits, locations and conversations--all without their permission. There is no end to the capabilities. Certified crash data retrieval technician James Harbert said it won't be long before insurance companies have a clause in their policies claiming ownership of the information, accident or no accident. As the consumer often knows, insurance companies make most of the rules for their own advantage and, on a large scale, try get away with anything. Of course, the same can be said for auto manufacturers. For instance, the NHTSA said that car companies can determine when, if ever, to notify consumers of defects in automobiles. They choose when to recall vehicles in the event of defects. As for regulating the presence of the black boxes in American vehicles, the NHTSA has yet to make a decision and it could be years before it is made. Secrets are golden when it involves the automobile industry, even when it concerns your safety and privacy.

Toby Olszewski Herald/ Country Market reporter

About 35 residents of Bourbonnais attended Monday night's village board meeting to let trustees know their feelings about the location of a hot mix asphalt plant under construction in an industrial area of the village. The Gallagher Asphalt Company applied for and received a building permit to construct the plant in the industrial area near the Nucor steel plant. The area is zoned M-2 in which asphalt plants are a permitted use. Since the zoning was in place, hearings before the plan commission were not needed nor was a vote by trustees necessary.

However, petitions were filed by Todd Larrigan, 515 Independence Dr. and Stephen A. Odom, 1291 Greenbriar Ct. requesting the zoning board of appeals to hear their cases. They believe the building commissioner incorrectly issued the building permit. They claim a public hearing should have been held for a structure height variance. Village building codes state a variance is needed for construction that exceeds 60 feet in height. There are allowable exceptions to that requirement including mechanical equipment and elevators. The hot mix asphalt plant has a structure upon which a plume sits that is 59 feet high. The elevator, which is not connected to the building, carries the asphalt ingredients to the plume. It is 68 feet high. The zoning board of appeals meets Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. The first two items on the agenda are the appeals to the permit issuance. Mayor Bob Latham assured the citizens attending the Monday meeting that they will be allowed to speak during the public input portion of the ZBA meeting on Thursday.

However, the comments must be relevant to the item being discussed. The decision of the ZBA is final and will not come to the board of trustees for a vote. Village attorney Pat Dunn distributed a copy of the Bourbonnais Codes that outline the methods of redress. If citizens are not happy with the ZBA decision, it can be appealed only through the courts. Every person who wished to address the board Monday night was able to speak about the plant. Most of the people were opposed to its location saying, as did Mike Bonnell of Yale Ct., that "every time the wind blows from the east, it will blow the smells and carcinogens to the residential neighborhoods. A huge population will be getting noxious odors and damaging materials".

However, Dan Clott of Marsile St., showed a document that noted that the federal Environmental Protection Agency has taken hot mix asphalt plants off the list of industries considered major sources of hazardous pollutants. Trustee Bruce Greenlee noted that there is an asphalt plant just a mile away from the site of the Gallagher plant and residents have not complained of any smell or pollutants.

The village has hired Simms Engineering to oversee the construction of the plant and to "ensure it meets all EPA standards". Richard Simms, an environmental engineer who formerly worked for the city of Kankakee, heads the company. The engineer was chosen by the village but will be paid by Gallagher. "He will look at all their records and see that all requirements are met," said Mayor Latham. "He will also follow up for a period of time after the plant begins operation." One resident wanted to know why, if other cities kept out the plant, Bourbonnais was allowing it. He was told that the zoning was in place when the company applied for the permit and the village could not refuse it. Zoning can be changed, but not after someone has applied for a permit.

Laura McElroy Herald/ Country Market publisher

During their Monday, Sept. 20, 2004 board meeting, village of Manteno trustees approved a resolution to continue golf course operations through Dec. 31, 2005. Trustees approved the move even without knowing the outcome of the advisory referendum on the November ballot. In November, voters will be asked whether or not the village should continue to operate the golf course even if a public subsidy is required to off set a portion of the operation and maintenance costs for the course. Currently, the golf course is set up as an enterprise fund and has to be self-supporting. Village funds cannot be used to help pay for golf course operations without the consent of the citizen. Several months ago, the board approved keeping golf course operations in tact through this fiscal year. But trustee Irish O'Reilly pointed out, "This time of year we begin selling memberships for the following year. If the course did not remain open through December of next year, we would experience greater losses." During the public comment portion of the meeting, Annette LaMore commented, "It is important to understand that it is the clubhouse, not the golf course that has caused the debt. We ask trustees to keep the course open at least two more years until the loan can be restructured. We know we're on the right 'course'."

She added the "Save our Golf Course" committee is working to promote the course and raise additional funds to help pay off the village's debt. The committee started with some raffles and is now holding it's first major fundraiser, a banquet, on Oct. 30. She added many organizations including the Manteno Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, Manteno Education Foundation, Knights of Columbus and the American Legion, holds golf outings to raise funds to help local organizations "Profits are given to help the parks, schools, churches, the needy, Fourth of July fireworks and other community events," said LaMore. "The golf course is an asset to far more than just the golfers." In addition, the Manteno High School golf team uses the course to practice and compete with other schools. A letter from high school principal Paul Russert and golf coach Patrick Mellin stated, "Without a golf course we could not have a team to practice or compete with other area schools. Throughout the years, Manteno High School has had many years of successful golf teams.

We currently have a perfect record. We anticipate moving into regionals, sectionals, and then to state again this year." The course is currently under the operation of manager Dick Kozuch. Motorized scooters Trustees read and placed on file an ordinance prohibiting any motorized device not bearing a license registration by the Illinois Secretary of State. Motorscooters, go carts, golf carts and mini bikes will be prohibited on any public street, sidewalk, park or alley if approved. The board placed the ordinance on file for the public to review. Action is anticipated at the next regularly scheduled board meeting. Sign ordinance In other news, the board approved an amended sign ordinance. The board approved a maximum sign height of 60 feet with a maximum square footage of 300-square-feet per side for commercially zoned districts along the Interstate 57 corridor from Spruce to South Creek Drive. The County Highway Nine, Rt. 50 and Rt. 45 corridor maximum sign height will be 30 feet with a maximum sign size of 150-square-feet per side.

The Bourbonnais Public Library board approved a budget and appropriation ordinance on Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, following a public hearing. The budget outlines $556,353 in revenue and just $456,652 in expenditures The nearly $100,000 surplus could be used to pay for mortgage payments or contractor payments on the proposed addition to the library early on during the 2005-06 fiscal year. Total payroll makes up the majority of expenditures at $282,245. Other expenditures include: $11,330 for computer maintenance; $11,125 for ComEd; $26,224 for medical insurance; $11,757 for adult fiction books and $7,704 adult non-fiction books; and $9,064 for children's books.

Executive director Diana Dillinger was proud to announce that, over the last year, circulation is up 38 percent. Dillinger also pointed out that patrons who visited the library was up 19 percent and inter-library loans increased by 63 percent. Dillinger cited that the new CIRCE computer system, which allows patrons to log onto the library's website, check on titles and reserve books is a major reason for the increases. She also noted that the library's quality collection, which is current and attractive, helps to keep people interested and returning.

The library is still seeking applications for the vacant board secretary position. The position was vacated when Brenda Reynolds announced she was leaving the state with her family last month. The board is hoping to fill the position before they break ground on the new addition, which could happen in late October. Trustee Ed Grabow noted that, if someone is hired, they must be brought up to speed with current issues at the library. He said that too often new board members lack the knowledge to contribute to discussions and understand the decisions that are being made. He encouraged the board to institute the tools the board has in place, such as a video seminar and packet of current issues, in order to avoid any problems. The personnel committee has received one resume and will be interviewing that person after a mutual date has been set.

While construction is taking place to erect the addition at the library, the board recognizes the need for parking. In anticipation of a shortage of parking spaces, the board passed an intergovernmental agreement with the Bourbonnais Elementary School District to use parking as needed across the street at the Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center. Grabow said the BESD should be congratulated for its cooperation. He found it refreshing that two taxing bodies were able to work together. In other news the board: announced that bids for the addition to the existing building will be opened on Tuesday, Oct. 12. g.

Bourbonnais village trustees approved a bid for a second major sewer project at the Monday, Sept. 20, 2004 meeting. The low bid of $417,374 offered by R & R Construction, Ruben E. Smith, Inc. was accepted for the Bordeaux and Arrowhead lift stations. The bids were somewhat higher than anticipated, said village administrator Frank Koehler, because of the emergency nature of the work. There are problems with both lift stations and are they are causing sewer problems in the area. The replacement of the sewer main down the center of River St. will begin soon. The construction will cause some problems for traffic, but sewer service should not be interrupted. Residents will be notified in both instances when work is to begin.

Trustee Gary Residori questioned when the Burns Rd. work will begin. Plans must be approved by the Illinois Department of Transportation before construction commences because it is being completed with motor fuel tax money. Residori also said it was time for the state to widen and improve Rt. 45 north of Indian Oaks Rd. Mayor Bob Latham said that he has talked to state officials, but the state is broke. However, after the elections he will pursue the matter with the representatives for the area.

The village approved the four-year contract between the operating engineers, local 399. The contract which runs from May 1, 2004 to April 30, 2008 grants pay raises each year to the employees of the public works and building departments with the exclusion of the director of public works. The first two years of the contract, employees will get 3 1/2 percent raises. The last two years, the raises will be 3 percent. Employees will pay 20 percent of their insurance premiums and the deductibles will be raised from $0 to $500.